Benefits of standardization illustrated by shape memory actuators in industrial applications

Known actuators based on shape memory alloys (SMA) have been developed for specific applications. Therefore solutions based on SMA generally cannot be transferred to other tasks. Focusing on the development for special applications has two important disadvantages: Firstly, the effort and costs reach a high level due to the individual development and secondly, for many companies the development of complex SMA-actuators turns out to be an insuperable barrier. This paper sums up the difficulties of the development process of shape memory actuators and presents a standardized shape memory actuator element which can be used in different applications.